As we approach Easter, my thoughts have been turned to the significance of the Easter Holiday. I have taken time to reflect upon the Savior and the vital importance of His life, His sacrifice, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. I feel so very blessed to have the understanding and the knowledge that I have of the Savior.
As I have fought my battle with depression, I have come to understand that it is in these moments of our extremities that we can come to know as never before, our strength and our capacity to endure, through and because of the very real and very personal Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Because our Savior paved the way for each one of us, we can have the reassurance that we don't have to travel along life's journey alone. There may be times when we may question and wonder why we have to bear such difficult adversity and burdens. We may wonder when and if our healing will come. It is in these times of our extremities that we will need the reassurance, strength, and understanding, that can only be found because of the eternal power of the Atonement and the healing blessings that accompany it. We can come to understand that healing through the Atonement does not always mean that our burden will be removed. The Atonement is a means for us to become better, more pure, and more Christ - like. In some instances it may be necessary for us to endure our afflictions for a time in order for us to become better acquainted with God.
“Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a "healing" cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are "healed" by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us..... Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all. The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ—whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them.... is available for every affliction in mortality." (Dallin H. Oaks, “He Heals the Heavy Laden,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 6–9)
Elder Holland of the quorum of the twelve apostles so elegantly teaches us of the sacredness of the EAster season. He said:
"Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: 'I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”20
"As we approach this Holy week.... may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ 'at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death, for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone." (Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 86–88)
How grateful I am for a loving Savior. I add my testimony to that of Elder Holland's and humbly and reverently express gratitude for the celebration of this Holiday in which we commemorate the sacred gift of our Savior which has given to me the knowledge and understanding that I don't have to travel my journey alone.
